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I have a new M2 Mac Studio running on Sonoma OS with a new 27" Studio Display.
I'd like to use my old iMac 27" (Retina, 2017) running Ventura OS as a second extended display.
I can very easily do it the other way around (use the new Studio Display as a second display for old iMac) so was hoping there was a way.
Perhaps I need to downgrade the OS on my old iMac 27" to Catalina?
It won't work.
It won't work.
Your 27" 2017 5K Retina iMac is also too old to serve as an AirPlay Receiver for AirPlay to Mac. (I don't believe that one would have let you take full advantage of your iMac's 5K screen, but your iMac would need to date from 2019, or later, to be an AirPlay Receiver at all.)
System requirements for Continuity features on Apple devices - Apple Support
The only other options would be third-party workarounds like Luna Display (Astropad) or Duet Display. These would have limitations compared to a real 5K hardware monitor.
For example, I believe that even if you connect a Thunderbolt cable between a Mac and a 5K Retina iMac, Luna Display can only support 5K refresh rates of 30 and 45 Hz.
I have the exact same setup, but with an M2 Max chip. I too wanted to use my iMac as a 2nd screen. And although I may not have a "true" 2nd screen, using the Universal Control, I am able to move my pointer from the iMac to the Mac Studio. I am able to transfer files, applications etc just by dragging it from the iMac to the Studio. I do note they are operating on different operating systems. My iMac on Ventura and my Studio on Sonoma. But what is a true 2nd screen supposed to look like or perform.
Givenst3k wrote:
I have the exact same setup, but with an M2 Max chip. I too wanted to use my iMac as a 2nd screen. And although I may not have a "true" 2nd screen, using the Universal Control, I am able to move my pointer from the iMac to the Mac Studio. I am able to transfer files, applications etc just by dragging it from the iMac to the Studio. I do note they are operating on different operating systems. My iMac on Ventura and my Studio on Sonoma. But what is a true 2nd screen supposed to look like or perform.
If your Mac Studio had a "true second screen" (i.e., you had another dedicated hardware monitor attached to it), that screen would display stuff belonging to the Mac Studio. There would be a first-class hardware connection from the computer, straight out to the monitor, to be able to deliver full-resolution video, at full refresh rate, with no artifacts (other than those caused by scaling), and no lag.
With the Universal Control arrangement you describe, you have two separate computers – each of which owns a single screen. The computers are cooperating closely with each other, to the extent that they can share use of a single keyboard and mouse; and to the extent that you can even trigger a network file copy using a method (drag and drop) that makes it look like you are simply copying files from one drive to another on a single computer.
But they are still separate computers, running separate operating systems and applications, with their own drives.
Hi Servant of Cats - Thanks again for your advice - I have installed Astropad Luna Display and connected a high performance USB-C to USB-C cable* to both macs with great success.
As you hinted, you have to have a good cable connection to make it work well enough to have the retina display working on the 2nd screen (imac in my case) without too much lag.
That said, there is still a little lag but not enough to impact my experience too much - Noting that I am using my mac as Digital Audio Workstation where the 2nd display (old imac) is being used for passive monitoring and mix console configurations and for that it is generally fine. It helps keep the clutter away from the main screen whilst still highly usable for secondary functions.
That said, I will still invest in a second screen a some point, so its not a perfect substitute but it is a good interim solution that will keep me going a long time until I am ready to poor more money into the studio.
*I have used a Fasgear USB C to USB C3.2 Gen 2x2 Cable 1.8m, 20Gbps 4K Video 100W Charging cable. (Amazon shipped it overnight even down under in Oz :) )
That makes me sad. But thanks for the solid explanation. Appreciated.
Can I use my iMac 27" Retina Display as a second display for a new M2 Mac Studio
